KDOT announces lane closures on I-70

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Transportation announced Thursday that construction on I-70 between Abilene and Chapman will close the eastbound lanes, including the eastbound ramps at Abilene off K-15, requiring motorists driving from the south to utilize a detour.

The eastbound lanes of I-70 are closed beginning one mile west of Abilene at Exit 275 east to a point 1.5 miles west of Exit 286 at Chapman. The closure will be in effect until October 15.

Those coming from the south driving to K-State’s season-opening football game on Friday should follow the marked detour as follows: enter I-70 at the I-70/K-15 Interchange westbound, drive three miles, exit at Fair Road, then reenter I-70 eastbound in head-to-head traffic on the westbound lanes or select an alternative route.

Motorists are also reminded that K-18 between I-70 and Manhattan remains under construction through the fall. The ongoing road work on K-18 from 56th Avenue to just west of Seth Child Road (K-113) is reduced to a single lane in each direction. Fans may exit K-18 at Scenic Drive, which is reopened to traffic this season, and continue north to either Anderson Avenue or Kimball Avenue for an alternate route toward the stadium.

In the area of Aggieville, construction is ongoing along a two-block portion of Bluemont Avenue from Manhattan Avenue east to 11th Street. The project includes grading and surfacing, storm sewer and traffic signal installation and the addition of a raised median in the center of Bluemont. During peak commute times, motorists should expect delays and consider an alternative route. The project is scheduled to be completed in mid-October.